Strawberry season started a little later than in recent years due to cooler weather and rains, but if you, like most of us, have been waiting for the sweetest part of the growing season, you’re in luck. Strawberry farmer Emily Tidwell says the season is a good one.
“There are always weather-related curve balls,” she says. “This year, it was warm early, which got plants growing and producing buds early. Then there were cold spells that cost us plenty of sleep, watching nighttime temperatures to make sure we had frost protection going when we needed it.”
Anne BralyBut when the weather began cooperating, the Tidwells (Emily and husband Ray) were once again at it, bringing the sweet, luscious harvest to their strawberry shed, and everyone who’s gone there before knows the drill: Get there early, and get your fill.
“Every day is different,” Tidwell says. “Our sales situation changes almost hourly. I can guesstimate our daily production, but I never know how many folks are going to show up at any given time or how much they’re going to buy. That’s why I put so much emphasis on calling for an update before heading out to see us.”
To find out what’s available, call 423-365-9300. The Tidwells’ strawberry shed is on Highway 27, about 4 miles south of Spring City.